Invasive Life Support

Invasive ventilatory devices

-Oral pharyngeal airway
-Nasal pharyngeal airway
-Endotracheal tube

Endotracheal tube

-Indications: upper airway obstruction, aspiration pneumonia, secretions
-Below level of vocal cord

Passy Muir valve

Attached to a trachestomy tube that allows for vocalization

Complications of tracheostomy

-Primary hemorrhage, late hemorrhage
-Pneumothorax, hemothorax
-Surgical emphysema
-Tracheaesophageal fistula (5-7 days)

Intermittent mandatory ventilation

-Controlled breath, non weaning
-Sets rate regardless of pt effort (12 = 12 breaths per min)

Synchronized intermittent mandatory/spontaneous

-Weaning mode
-Augments inspiratory phase with a preset amount of pressure
Pt breathes mostly IND, ventilator only supplies 2 breaths/min

Assist control

-Weaning
-Machine delivers positive pressure at a rate established by pt effort
Pt breathes mostly IND, ventilator only supplies 2 breaths/min

Neurally adjusted ventilator assist

-Electrode into NG tube
-Stops at diaphragm level
-Senses when diaphragm contracts

Goal of ventilated patients

Return of spontaneous breathing

Weaning criteria

-Resolution of initial event that cause ARF
-Maximized status
-Afebrile
-Improving/stable chest x ray
-Secretions manageable
-Specific respiratory parameters

Weaning parameters

-Adequate respiration (ABG analysis)
-Hemodynamic stability (BP)
-Ambu bag, suctioning
-Strength

Signs of distress during weaning

-Tachypnea > 30 breaths/min
-HTN
-Tachycardia
-Increased use of accessory mm
-Agitation
-Respiratory acidosis

When to stop/modify tx

-O2 < 88
-Increased accessory mm use
-RR > 20
-Hypotension
-Abnormal increase in HR

Effective mobilization

-Premedicated
-After chest tube removed, hold therapy until radiography rules out pneumothorax

How does a ventilator work?

-Positive pressure expands chest
-Chest wall recoils = exhalation